Chemical Peel

The quality of the skin contributes greatly to aging and outward appearance. Good quality skin maintains elasticity and generally looks healthy and moisturized. Various skin conditions, the environment, and aging can all cause the skin to look dull or feel rough. Additionally, patients may experience other skin concerns. Esthetics provides many options and solutions to skin concerns ranging from acne to wrinkles. One of the most sought and effective procedures is a chemical peel. The master estheticians at Northwest Face & Body perform the best chemical peels Bellevue and Kirkland offer.

Overview: What Is A Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a procedure where an acid, or combination of acids, is spread on the skin to exfoliate and stimulate skin peeling. This clears away dead skin and typically removes the outer layer of skin. Chemical peels, also called skin peels, essentially create a controlled injury where the body then heals itself. The healing process produces collagen and increases cell turnover to renew the skin.

This can treat a variety of skin conditions including acne scars, melasma, age spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fines lines, and rough feeling skin. Chemical peels can also supplement many other types of procedures. Patients often pair skin peels with microneedling and dermaplaning.

History

Peoples from around the world have used chemical peels since ancient times. The solutions used over time included mustard, soured milk, lemon, lime, and even sulfur. Physical exfoliation also existed with people sometimes burning or ablating their skin to lead to rejuvenation.

Many of the solutions used for early chemical peels contained ingredients in modern peels. For example, soured milk contains lactic acid and lemon juice has citric acid. Both of these acids can be found in many skin peels today.

When dermatology emerged as a major practice of medicine, dermatologists began to use various components to cause the skin to peel. They found that this could treat an uneven skin tone and a variety of skin concerns. Chemical peel formulas and ingredients were refined throughout the generations to come to the modern peels we know today.

Benefits

Chemical peels have many advantages and benefits. Millions of skin peels are performed in the United States every year. They can slot into nearly every skincare routine. With facial peels for people of all skin types and tones, Bellevue chemical peels can offer benefits like:

• Smoother skin texture
• More even skin tone
• Pore minimization
• Fades the appearance of acne scars
• Reduce acne breakouts
• Treat sun damage
• Customizable
• Removes dead skin
• Peels available to treat every skin type and tone
• May treat the look of surgical or injury scars
• Increases effectiveness of everyday skin routine
• Performed by a professional, master esthetician
• Treat hyperpigmentation and melasma
• Quick, in-office procedure
• Minimal to no downtime

Types Of Chemical Peels

There are countless types of peels using unique blends of ingredients and for a variety of purposes. In general, however, chemical peels are broken down into three categories: light, medium, and deep.

The majority of commonly performed peels belong to the light or medium categories. Deep peels usually treat more extensive skin issues and may require general anesthesia. At Northwest Face & Body, our master estheticians perform light and medium peels.

Light

Light chemical peels, sometimes called superficial peels, cause the least amount of injury to the skin. For most patients undergoing their first chemical peel, it is recommended to start with a light peel. This beginner level type of peel usually contain acids such as lactic acid, citric acid, or other naturally derived acids.

Light peels are well suited to treat generalized skin concerns. Certain light peels may also improve the appearance of rosacea, treat inflammation, dehydrated skin, and the early signs of aging.

You can undergo light chemical peels more–often as short as two weeks apart. They remove the buildup of dead skin and can help maintain healthy looking and feeling skin. At Northwest Face & Body, we offer PCA peels which feature a combination of acids that promote collagen production and cell turnover while soothing the skin.

Patients tend not to peel as much with light chemical peels. Some patients may also not find benefit from them if they require a medium or deep peel. In general, light chemical peels offer a way to routinely exfoliate the skin and promote healthy skin.

Medium

Medium chemical peels use a higher concentration of acids to reach deeper into the skin. Typically, medium peels can consist of many of the same acids seen in light peels, just more of them. They may also contain lower concentrations of phenol and other compounds found in deeper peels.

Trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, is a type of medium chemical peel. TCA peels usually require some downtime and penetrate deeper into the skin. Usually, these peels are used to treat moderate to severe acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Patients should use caution when seeking TCA peels as they come with more risk than most commonly administered peels.

At Northwest Face & Body, we offer the VI Peel which is a medium depth peel. Unlike other medium chemical peels, it usually does not cause extensive peeling. It can provide medium depth results with little to no downtime like a light peel.

Deep

Deep chemical peels look more like a surgical procedure than an esthetic one. Patients may be partially or fully sedated and will require time off work for the skin to heal properly. Phenol is usually used in deep chemical peels. Phenol peels are usually only used for patients with severe sun damage, pre-cancerous growths, or deep facial wrinkles.

After a deep chemical peel, you must avoid sun exposure for several weeks. Our master estheticians do not perform deep peels but may recommend them based on your skin and goals.

Before And After Chemical Peel

Consultation

Before undergoing a chemical peel at Northwest Face & Body, you will meet with a master esthetician for a free skin consultation. This can usually be done the same day as your first treatment if you choose. During this appointment, your master esthetician will want to know about your goals for your skin. They may also ask about any concerns or conditions you may have.

Next, they will review your medical history to determine the procedures most likely to offer you the best results. Finally, your master esthetician may physically examine the skin. At this point, they will conclude if you are a good candidate for a chemical peel. They will also create a customized skincare plan aimed at helping you reach your goals.

Application

To administer your chemical peel, your master esthetician will begin by cleansing your face. This will remove surface oils and debris that could hinder the results of the peel.

Next, your master esthetician will begin applying the peel. Most chemical peels are applied in layers. This usually builds up the strength of the acids. You may experience a slight tingling or stinging sensation. As a whole, patients do not often find chemical peels overly painful.

Finally, after applying the chemical peel, your master esthetician may neutralize or remove the peel. Other peels, known as self-neutralizing chemical peels, remain on the skin and neutralize on their own.

Before you leave, your master esthetician will give you instructions on how to care for your skin in the coming days. They will also inform you on what to expect and any changes you may need to make to your routine.

Aftercare

The aftercare following your Bellevue chemical peel will depend on the type of peel you received and other factors. However, in general, you will want to avoid sun exposure over the next couple of days. For the first 24 hours, especially if it is your first peel, you will want to limit activity to make sure you do not irritate the treated skin.

Usually, between two and four days after treatment, patients begin to see skin peeling. It typically begins around the mouth and then may spread outward from there. Skin peeling may then commence for a few days. You may experience mild side effects such as a sensation and look similar to a sunburn. Within one week, most patients will have stopped peeling and most see their final results in two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Chemical Peels Hurt?

Chemical peels do occasionally cause discomfort during and after application. Light and medium peels are bearable, though a topical anesthetic is sometimes applied before the peels. The VI Peel contains a natural anesthetic to ease any pain of application.

How Often Can You Get A Chemical Peel?

The answer to this question depends on the type of peel you receive and your skin. If you have particularly sensitive skin, even light peels will need to be spaced a few weeks apart. Others may have a light peel every two weeks. Certain skin conditions may also warrant less or more time between treatments.

Ultimately, the best way to determine how often you can get a chemical peel is to consult with a master esthetician. They will evaluate your skin and needs to determine the optimal schedule of care.

Can You Wear Makeup After?

This depends on the peel you receive. Most of the time, you will need to wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup. Sometimes light mineral makeup or sunscreen is fine to apply immediately the day following treatment. Your master esthetician will provide individualized instructions for your Kirkland chemical peel aftercare.

What Are The Risks?

Chemical peels do come with some risks. When applied by a professional like our master estheticians, risks are relatively low. The risks will also vary based on the depth and type of peel. Some general risks include:

• Hyperpigmentation
• Acne breakouts
• Cold sore flare ups
• Infection
• Allergic reaction
• Prolonged redness

To reduce the risks, your master esthetician will screen you during your consultation. People who may need to wait or try other treatments are those who:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a history of developing keloids
• Are prone to severe cold sore outbreaks
• Have taken oral acne medications within the past year

How Much Is A Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels range in price based on the type of peel you choose and if you buy a package. The Glow Up Package, for instance, includes three chemical peels and three microneedling sessions for less than buying the six treatments separately. To learn more about our pricing, please visit our price list and Price Simulator™.

The Best Chemical Peels In Bellevue And Kirkland At Northwest Face & Body

The master estheticians at Northwest Face & Body underwent extensive training in chemical peels and professional skincare. Pursuing further education in esthetics, our master estheticians learned about the anatomy of the skin and skin conditions. They can also perform a wide range of procedures including laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and RF microneedling.

Northwest Face & Body is located on the shores of Lake Washington in Kirkland. With state-of-the-art and private treatment rooms, we provide a friendly and laidback atmosphere. Having served patients for over three decades, Northwest Face & Body provides the best chemical peels Bellevue and Kirkland offer.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also connect with us online via our contact forms, chat, and Price Simulator™ app.